Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Let me start this review by saying that I am by no means a Christianity or bible buff. I'm reviewing this book simply by its entertainment value alone, and not its historical accuracy. That being said, this book was HILARIOUS. The narrative of the story focuses on the 'lost years' of Jesus's life. From childhood to about his early thirties. Apparently, there isn't any record of what Jesus did during those years so Moore attempts to envision what might have happened. To add to the hi-jinx, the story is told from the point of view of Biff, Jesus's childhood best friend. We follow Biff and Jesus (or Josh, as Biff calls him) on their travels across the world, as Josh attempts to find out what it means to be the Messiah. Josh seeks out the wise men, or Magi, that visited him in Bethlehem when he was born. It is from the Magi that Josh learns different philosophies about life and about being a good person. What’s entertaining is that through their travels, they embark on several adventures that include fighting demons, rescuing a little girl from a murderous cult, and communing with the abominable snowman. Yeah, you read right, Jesus hangs out with a yeti. Again, you really can’t fault Moore’s creative license here, it's entertaining as hell (see what I did there). The only issue I have with the book is that it kind of slows down towards the end. Most of us know how Jesus’s tale ends (or begins if you're believer) so it’s a little depressing seeing that play out in the last third of the book. After all the adventures you share with Biff and Josh, you almost wish there was an alternate ending. All in all, I loved the book. Great read. Just check your beliefs at the door, and I’m sure you’ll be entertained. Oh, did I mention Jesus and Biff learn Kung-Fu? BadassChristopher Moore



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